Grissom remembers; ceremony honors lives lost on 9/11

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexa Culbert
  • 434th Air Refueling Wing public affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  On September 11, 2001, tragedy befell the nation and the world vowed to never forget, and for the last twenty-one years, Grissom has stayed faithful to that vow.

The 434th Air Refueling Wing held its annual remembrance ceremony honoring those who’s lives were lost during the 9/11 attacks at the 434th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department building, September 11, 2022.

The ceremony began after the playing of Reveille and then the folding of the American flag by the base honor guard.

Capt. Blake Campbell, 434th Air Refueling Wing base chaplain, asked everyone to take a moment of silence and then said a prayer for the people who lost their lives that day, their families and our nation.

“Twenty-one years ago today, we remember the first time we heard the news, the first time we saw those images. The pain, confusion and fear that we felt the day our nation was attacked by those who hate freedom and sought to give us harm. We remember the lives lost in the field of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., on that fateful day of history.”

The audience remained still once more for the playing of TAPS and Staff Sgt. Braden Hood, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron fire crew chief, gave the closing remarks.

“I am an American, he said. “That's the way most of us put it. …but remember too that they are more than just words. They are a way of life. So, whenever you speak them, speak them firmly. Speak them proudly. Speak they greatly. I am an American.”

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.